This institute’s course of instruction was twofold, consisting of intensive paleographical exercises that focused on vernacular materials of the period 1400 to 1700, and lectures in which Professor Petti provided an introduction to the organization of English archives, libraries, and manuscript collections.

While the bulk of the practical exercises focused on the reading, transcribing, and editing of documents and books in the fields of literature and history, the institute also gave attention to law and music. Students were introduced to paleographical terms, writing materials, types of scripts and hands, and different classes of documents. Special sessions were also devoted to dating documents and methods of detecting forgeries. Professor Petti also held individual tutorials with each student.

Complementing the daily course of instruction were the following adjunct lectures: